OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewIntroduction to OSHAEasy
An OSHA compliance officer arrives at a construction site with a warrant to conduct an inspection. What is the employer's responsibility once the warrant is presented?
- AAllow the inspection to proceed as outlined in the warrant.
- BOnly allow inspection of areas specifically mentioned by the employer.
- CRefuse entry until a company lawyer is present.
- DDemand a re-scheduling of the inspection for a later date.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Allow the inspection to proceed as outlined in the warrant.
If an OSHA compliance officer presents a warrant (also known as an ex parte warrant), the employer must allow the inspection to proceed. A warrant is a legal document that authorizes the inspection.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The scope of the inspection is determined by the warrant, not by the employer's preferences.
- C. While an employer can initially refuse entry without a warrant, once a valid warrant is presented, refusal is not an option.
- D. A warrant overrides the employer's ability to reschedule the inspection.
OSHA Inspection Warrant
A legal document issued by a judge that authorizes an OSHA compliance officer to conduct an inspection, overcoming an employer's initial refusal.
- Issued when an employer refuses voluntary entry.
- Specifies the scope and limits of the inspection.
- Must be honored by the employer.
Memory trick: Warrant's word is law, so let the inspector through the door.